Bacolod Masskara Festival Guide

Masskara Festival is held annually every third weekend of October marking Bacolod City's Charter anniversary. The Masskara Festival of Bacolod City has been listed among the 29 most colorful festivals and celebrations around the world by www.placestoseeinyourlifetime.com. Every festival has its own story so let's take a trip back in time on how it all started.

History 
 
The festival first began in 1980 during the period of crisis.The province relied on sugar cane as its primary agricultural crop, and the price of sugar was at an all-time low due to the introduction of sugar substitutes like high fructose (corn syrup) in the United States. On April 22 on the same year, an inter-island vessel MV Don Juan collided with a tanker and sank in Tacloban City.An estimated 700 lives where lost during the tragedy including some of the prominent families in Bacolod.

In the midst of these tragic events, the local government and artist decided to hold the festival of smiles.The initial festival was therefore, a declaration by the people of the city that no matter how tough and bad the times were, Bacolod City is going to pull through, survive, and in the end, triumph.

Costumes and Mask

The vibrant costumes are made using a combination of materials from various sources. The quintessential part of the costume is the mask, made up of beads, plastic and other materials.

A Million Smiles

It's not just about the mask, but also the smiling and friendly locals of Bacolod.



Giants Roam the Streets

Giant puppets up to 18 feet high roam the streets created by fine art students and artist from different universities and companies in Bacolod.

Electric Masskara
One of festival highlights is the Electric Masskara at Lacson tourism strip.A parade of illuminated floats accompanied by music and dancing.Masskara dancers are lighted up using small led lights attach to their costumes.

Getting Here

Major flight carriers Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Bacolod from Manila and Cebu.

From Cebu by bus

Click this link on how to get to Bacolod by bus.  

Tuklasera Masskara Festival Guide and Tips

Accommodation

Hotels and Inns around Bacolod are sold out months before the celebration.

Book at least 3 months before to avoid disappointment and expect to pay more than the standard room rates.Here is a list of some of the best hotels and inns that you can stay during the festival.Book directly through Agoda by clicking the links below.

• Lfisher Hotel
• O Hotel
• The Sugarland Hotel
• Bacolod Pension Plaza
• Tamera Plaza Inn
• East View Hotel
• Pearl Manor Hotel
• Java Pension House
• Royal Am Rei Hotel
• Gt Hotel
• Avenue Suites
• Vermilion Pension and Dormitel  

Most of the hotels except Vermilion Pension are situated just near Lacson tourism strip where all major happenings is held. If your ran out of options of getting a place, you can book your stay at Vermilion Pension in Talisay which is few kilometers away from downtown Bacolod.

How to get to Vermillion Pension 

From Bacolod Downtown 

Ride a jeepney plying Mandalagan - Libertad route and alight at North bus terminal. Ride a jeepney to Talisay at the jeepney terminal located at the opposite side of the road and tell the driver to drop you off at Vermillion Pension.

To Bacolod Downtown

From Vermilion Pension, ride a jeepney going to the jeepney terminal then ride Bata - Capital Lagoon - Central Market. For more Jeepney routes please visit this link.

Photo Op

Araneta Avenue is the best vantage point for photography enthusiast for free. If you want to enter all major activity areas you need a Photographer's ID. The Php 500.00 fee includes a shirt and ID.
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